Preserving Benton County's Heritage Since 1949
Explore records, photographs, and stories from the people and places that shaped our community.
Search Our DatabaseWelcome to the Benton County Historical Society & Museum
Preserving the stories, artifacts, and heritage of Benton County, Minnesota since 1949.
Upcoming Event
Stories Among the Stones: A Lantern Tour of the Benton County Cemetery — Part II
October 15, 2026 • 5:30 PM • Benton County Cemetery
Join us for Part II of our popular lantern tour of the Benton County Cemetery — uncovering stories of those who came before us, including victims of the 1886 Cyclone and early settlers. Post-tour social hour with refreshments and a viewing of our authentic 1880s funeral coach.
Sauk Rapids, Benton Co., Minn.
📅 Today in History
United States
• 1860 First aerial photo taken in US (from a balloon), Boston
• 1963 "Beatlemania" is coined after the Beatles appear at the Palladium
Minnesota
• The walleye became Minnesota’s official state fish in 1965.
• Lester soil became Minnesota’s state soil in 2012.
Benton County
• On April 14, 1886, a tornado destroyed much of Sauk Rapids.
• Sauk Rapids was separately organized as a village in 1881.
📷 Picture of the Day
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Proud Community Partners
